What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking?
Maybe you are contemplating giving up cigarettes, or already have. This is a decision that will impact your health for the rest of your life and deserves a lot of praise. If you haven't already researched what happens to your body when you quit smoking, you will be amazed to learn about the positive benefits and how soon they begin. Of course, there are also well-documented nicotine withdrawal symptoms also. The good news is that these discomforts are only temporary as you adjust to being a non-smoker. The positive effects, and the sense of pride you will feel as a non-smoker, will last a lifetime.
The positive changes start after about 20 minutes after quitting. Your blood pressure goes down and your pulse rate decreases. These are both changes that can reduce your risk of smoking related disease. Over the next few days, your blood oxygen level will return to normal and your body will be clear of carbon monoxide from cigarettes. Food and beverages will taste better because your sense of smell and taste will no longer be impaired by smoking. After around 15 years, your lungs should be almost as clear or as clear as a person of comparable age who has never smoked.
Now, let's talk about the stop smoking effects that are not so great. These include intense cravings that start happening as soon as a few hours after you quit. You may also experience headache, shakiness, anxiety, anger and other physical and emotional discomforts. They will last from weeks to months depending on your smoking habit and your chosen method of quitting. Cold turkey quitters will experience the most intense withdrawal unless they taper down gradually over time. Set a date on the calendar at least two weeks away and design a taper schedule that reduces your smoking a little each day.
There are medications available from your doctor like Zyban and Chantix that can help decrease your chances of quitting. In addition, you may want to consider nicotine replacement therapy, also known as NRT. This would include nicotine gum, patches and lozenges. You should see your doctor when you plan to quit for helpful tips and their recommendation on the best method for you. Also, join a group for quitters either online or in person because positive support can make a big difference in your success.
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